New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key will not change his travel plans despite growing unease over Sri Lanka hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), foreign media reported.
The 53-nation summit is held every two years but the prime ministers of Canada and India are boycotting this year’s event.
Foreign media quoted Mr. Key stating that “just happens to be that Sri Lanka is the host of the summit in 2013” and it’s better to be there to raise concerns about human rights.
“We’re definitely going to go to Sri Lanka,” he said. “This is the 22nd such event. We’ve been to all of the others.”
India’s president has pulled out in what is sure to be a blow to the hosts following the withdrawal of Canada’s leader because of human rights concerns.
Mr Key said there is no mechanism to change the chair and the strong media contingent at CHOGM will “shine a light” on what is happening in Sri Lanka.
“Nothing would be achieved if we boycotted the meeting. It would still go ahead,” he said.
